This major historical work has been recognized as a turning point in the study of one of the most significant and long-lasting empires of modern times.

Five distinguished scholars devoted ten years to this collective endeavor, which exceeds one thousand pages, with an ambitious goal: to present comprehensively and thoroughly the social and economic history of the Ottoman regions, from the early days of the empire, around 1300, until the eve of its collapse during World War I.

The text of this first volume, authored by Halil İnalcık, covers the first three centuries. The second volume, written by Suraiya Faroqhi, Bruce McGowan, Donald Quataert, and Şevket Pamuk, follows the continuation up to 1914.

Each volume explores developments in demographics, trade, transportation, crafts, land ownership, and the economy, highlighting the structures and changes, crises and reforms, that shaped the empire's course.

The extensive accompanying materials (maps, charts, lists, timelines, glossaries, bibliographies, and indexes) contribute to completing the picture and suggest directions for further study.

Thanks to the breadth and completeness of its analyses, this book is essential for every researcher of the Ottoman past, as well as invaluable for anyone interested in understanding contemporary developments in the Middle East and the Balkans.